Jun 29, 2021 | Island News
The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation dedicates a race in June every year to promote cycling, which has been an Olympic sport since 1896. On June 13th this year, 31 VI cyclists took part in the Ride To The Rings Road Race, which was sponsored by the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) to celebrate Olympics Month. Cyclists participated in Elite (45 miles), Expert (36 miles), or Sport/Masters/Women (18 miles) races. Read more about the race on St. Croix Source and on the US Virgin Islands Federation Facebook page.
Photo credit: US Virgins Federation
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #cycling #olympics #vicycling
Jun 16, 2021 | Island News
Most people experience St. Croix on the water in traditional ways like a catamaran sail to Buck Island or a fishing charter along our deep blue waters. With Leading Edge Kite School, a new and adventurous experience awaits you on the beach for a trio of lessons in kitesurfing! This wind powered surface water sport uses a kite and a board to move across the water. The power of the wind blowing against a large parachutetype kite catapults the rider across the water for an exhilarating experience like no other. Owner Chris Doyle launched the business in 2011 after leaving his 9-5 career in the construction industry. “I always dreamed about being in the Caribbean and I came to St. Croix to pursue my true passion of kitesurfing,” said Chris. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Chris chose St. Croix as the ideal kitesurfing location because of the number of easy, beginner-friendly beaches on the island. “St. Croix is a great place for the sport because of the year-round trade winds and the flat-water locations that are perfect for beginners and advanced riders.”
The great thing about kitesurfing is that just about anyone can do it! According to Chris, most riders get a hang of it after 3-5 lessons. If you love water and have an adventurous spirit, this is the activity for you. “Whether riding waves or on flat water, there’s nothing like jumping 30,40 feet in the air. It takes a little work to learn but it is fun and super rewarding!”
In addition to the St. Croix location, Chris and his wife Laura Lee operate a New Jersey location for Leading Edge Kite School from May through October. They recently added electric hydrofoil lessons aka efoiling where guests operate an electric skateboard that hovers over 2-3 feet above the water. Chris suggests this activity for someone wanting a quick and easy learn. “E-foiling is a great one-day activity and you don’t need the wind to make it happen.” Learn more about Leading Edge Kite School on their website www.leadingedgekiteschool.com or call them at 215-498-5788.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #kitesurf #kitesurfing #kiteboarding #surfing #beach #watersports
Jun 16, 2021 | Island News
There’s no denying that St. Croix has its fair share of hot days all year round. What better way to cool off than a scoop of local homemade ice cream when those steamy temperatures are on the rise? What’s Da Scoop in downtown Christiansted has been serving up icy, cool treats to residents and visitors since April 2019. Owners Ray and Natasha Mason were born and raised on St. Croix and have had a passion for entrepreneurship for as long as they could remember. Ray retired from Publix Super Markets in 2017 where he worked on their ice cream manufacturing team. His passion for ice cream persisted even after he retired from the company. He no longer wanted to do the intense labor associated with working at an organization of that scale but desired to open a locally owned, locally made ice cream parlor on his island home. When they first opened the business, they partnered with another local ice cream company to carry many of their flavors. However, the demand at their store outpaced the company’s ability to fulfill their orders. That is when Ray returned to his ice cream making roots. “We knew we would end up making our ice cream in house at some point,” said Natasha. “It just happened sooner than we planned!”
What’s Da Scoop prides itself on staying true to their Crucian roots with their flavor offerings. Natasha shared locally made ice cream parlor on his island home. When they first opened the business, they partnered with another local ice cream company to carry many of their flavors. However, the demand at their store outpaced the company’s ability to fulfill their orders. That is when Ray returned to his ice cream making roots. “We knew we would end up making our ice cream in house at some point,” said Natasha. “It just happened sooner than we planned!” What’s Da Scoop prides itself on staying true to their Crucian roots with their flavor offerings. Natasha shared and personal pizzas. Also don’t pass up on a slice of their rich rum cakes that melt in your mouth with each bite! What’s Da Scoop is located at 1115 Strand St in downtown Christiansted. It’s open seven days a week from 9am to 8pm Sunday – Thursday and 9am to 9pm on Friday & Saturday.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #icecream #dessert #food #foodie #sweet #summer
Jun 16, 2021 | Island News
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of deep blue waters as far as the eye can see at the easternmost point (by travel) in the United States! Point Udall is one of St. Croix’s most sought out attractions not only because of its breathtaking views but also the location’s significance. It was named in honor of Stewart Udall who served as United States Secretary of the Interior under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from 1961-1969. As the year 2000 marked the start of a new millennium, Point Udall was selected as the site for the United States Millennium Monument. Complete with a sundial, this stone structure marked what was the first U.S. sunrise at the turn of the century. The monument consists of four angular wedges that point up from the ground around a central pole. The wedges are made of a composite material of smaller stones joined by cement. The sundial still remains to this day and continues to tell solar time. Fun Fact: Did you know that the westernmost point in the United States is also called Point Udall? It is located in Guam and is named in honor of Morris Udall, who was Stewart Udall’s brother.
Seeing the sunrise at Point Udall is a regular bucket list item for visitors. You will be one of the first persons in the United States to see the sunrise. Do an Internet search to see what time the sunrise is scheduled to happen on the day you’re planning to go and arrive at Point Udall 35-45 minutes BEFORE this time. This guarantees that you see the sun as it breaks through the water and rises into the sky! Bonus Tip: Cellphone service is spotty out on this end of the island. Be sure to visit with someone or let a friend or family member know where you’re going in the event of an emergency.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #pointudall #MillenniumMonument #historic #sundial #geography
Jun 10, 2021 | Island News
As long time residents of St. Croix, we are thrilled to hear this news about the new medical school! It will be a crucial asset for the Virgin Islands and our neighbors throughout the Caribbean. It will create opportunities for students and the community as well as improve the medical care available to “all ah we”!
University of the Virgin Islands President David Hall announced recently that former Board of Trustees member Donald Sussman, a noted philanthropist, financier and a St. John homeowner, has made a $6 million, landmark donation to establish a medical school at the university. With this donation, the University of the Virgin Islands will continue its efforts to open the first accredited and English-speaking medical school in the Caribbean, with facilities on St. Croix and St. Thomas, and partnerships with medical institutions on all three islands. The UVI S. Donald Sussman School of Medicine would be the first new Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical school since 1975 and the only public HBCU medical school in the nation.
Read more on St Croix Consortium, Virgin Islands Daily News, and St. Croix Source
#stcroix #usvi #uvi #medical #education #hbcu
May 28, 2021 | Island News
From our May 2021 St Croix Newsletter
Question: “I want to make sure the property I buy is close to where I can exercise my dog. Where can I take my dog to run and play?“
Chris’s Answer:
As you consider all the varied aspects of your future island home, keep this in mind, along with the kinds of activities you and your dogs enjoy together. Do you like to walk, hike, or romp and swim on the beach?
Most days we walk with our dogs. There are great places to walk dogs all over the island. Mixing it up a little makes it more interesting for us, and there’s much more of a variety of fascinating smells for them. Our neighborhood has narrow winding roads, so we tend to drive to our walking spots. This can take from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on where we want to go that day.
Because there are no dog parks on St. Croix, when we want to give them more freedom from being on a leash, we take our dogs to a secluded beach. Hunter and Oscar, love to swim, roll in the sand, and play with their toys. They each have their own favorite toy, and, amazingly, are not interested in the other’s toy.
Many beaches will occasionally have nesting sea turtles. During that time, especially if your dog likes to dig in the sand, going to a nesting beach could endanger turtles. It’s a good idea to check with either USVI Division of Fish and Wildlife, or SEA (St. Croix Environmental Association). They will help you understand the sea turtle nesting and hatching cycles. Also, check with Fish and Wildlife for the current leash restrictions on different beaches. On the street, a dog must be on a leash.
#StCroix #Realtor #Buying #Selling #IslandLiving #Caribbean #dogs #pets #movingtothecaribbean
